Temple Newsam

The site was once owned by the Knights Templar, but the impressive Temple Newsam House was started by Thomas Darcy in the early 16th century. It has a fine collection of furniture, paintings and ceramics.

Lord Darnley, who married Mary Queen of Scots, was born at the house in 1545.

Lord Halifax lived at Temple Newsam, and it is said that Adolf Hitler intended to take the house over for his personal use.

The extensive grounds, now a public park, were for many years subject to open cast mining, but there is now little trace of this. There are lakes and beautiful gardens.